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Job Title: Regional Communications Manager (West and Midwest) – Beyond Coal
Department: Communications
Reports To: National Communications Strategist
Supervises: Regional Press Secretaries and Communications Assistants (2 to 4)
Context: Works with campaign staff to create and implement communications strategies for the Sierra Club’s regional Beyond Coal efforts. Represents the Sierra Club to the media.
Scope: The Regional Communications Manager is responsible for designing and coordinating regional media strategy, and participating in the development, planning, and coordination of regional media work and manages Communications staff in the region. Is responsible for ensuring that the advance work, logistics, and material preparation for press events is completed. Cultivates national media representatives and coordinates our work with other environmental or public interest groups as appropriate. Pitches Sierra Club stories, statements, events, and reactions to the press. Conducts media trainings for field, chapter staff, and volunteer activists with the Sierra Club Training Academy. Works closely with the National Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director, National Communications Strategist, Conservation Managers, and Department Directors on implementing national media work.
Job Activities:
1. Provides strategic communications guidance for the campaign region. Identifies media opportunities and implements media plans and strategies to promote conservation priorities in print, broadcast, and electronic media with volunteers and regional staff in local, regional, and national media outlets.
2. Provides technical guidance to staff and volunteers in their media relations work. Coordinates communications strategies with other regional conservation organizations.
3. Collaborates with communications staff on carrying out timely and coordinated Club response to breaking environmental news events.
4. Contributes in staff strategy meetings, and stays current on substantive and political developments in major conservation campaigns by reading latest literature, attending meetings, and maintaining contact with relevant sources.
5. Supervises, directs, develops, and provides general and technical guidance to staff. Includes the following supervisory responsibilities:
- assigns work and establishes standards and work priorities;
- ensures staff training and development of employee skills;
- provides ongoing performance feedback, prepares, and conducts formal performance planning and evaluation;
- recommends salary, hiring, and promotion decisions.
6. Participates in the development and implementation of local, regional, and national communications plans, and coordinates regional media crisis management.
7. Works to cultivate, and provides service to, local, regional, and national media contacts.
8. Ensures preparation of timely and effective communications materials, working with writer/editor and policy staff.
9. Performs research and analysis using a variety of resources to craft appropriate media messages and materials, including writing news releases, statements, letters to the editor, op-eds, and other materials as required for field work and regional media on the Beyond Coal campaign and related legislative issues.
10. Works with local communities and Club field organizers to gather stories in various platforms – photos, videos, and print for possible future dissemination.
11. Develops web content and utilizes social media tools including Facebook and Twitter to expand the reach of campaign messages.
12. Performs miscellaneous duties as required.
Seasonal Workload:
Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required.
Knowledge & Skills:
-- 5 years of experience in media relations, with some background in grassroots organizing or political campaigns and staff supervision.
-- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or related field or combination of education and experience.
-- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
-- Knowledge and experience working in the rapidly changing world of media, including new media platforms and technologies, with focus on the needs of journalists, bloggers, and media featuring user generated content and knowledge of how to get stories placed.
-- Ability to work well with volunteers.
-- Ability to work well under pressure, juggle competing demands, and maintain good working relations with staff and media. Able to work effectively as a team player.
-- Working knowledge of environmental issues, environmental policy, and the federal electoral and legislative process.
The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 4 exempt position.
Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.
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